Tag: Workers’ Compensation

Laura Kerekes writes a monthly “Innovative Workplace” column for Rough Notes, a publication that has been serving the insurance industry since 1878. While written for brokers, the information in her column applies equally to employers. Enjoy her December column on workers’ compensation. Managing the Intersection of Workers’ Compensation with Other Leave Regulations You’re ready when the…

As the holiday season approaches, the economy is humming along, unemployment is low, and companies are enjoying the fruits of corporate tax breaks. Time to celebrate? Not so fast, according to the 2018 Holiday Party Survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The survey found that just 65 percent of companies are holding holiday festivities this…

Workers’ Compensation On October 24, 2018, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation (H.B. 1840) amending the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act by defining an employer’s liability to pay damages for employee injuries occurring during the course of employment. The law establishes an elective schedule of compensation and provides a procedure for the determination of liability and…

Health Care Provider Employment Restrictions On June 25, 2018, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed legislation (S.B. 473) prohibiting contract provisions that limit the ability of nurses and podiatrists to practice in any geographic area after leaving a partnership, professional relationship, or other employment. The law became effective June 25, 2018. Read NH S.B. 473…

Discrimination Based on Gender Identity On June 8, 2018, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed legislation (H.B. 1319) adding gender identity as a protected class under the state’s Law Against Discrimination and thereby prohibiting discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing on the basis of gender identity. The law defines gender identity as a person’s…

Living Organ Donor Support Act Tax Credit On May 29, 2018, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed legislation (H.B. 1202) creating an income tax credit for employers who provide their employees paid leave to make an organ donation. Beginning January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2025, eligible employers will be allowed an income tax credit…

Pregnancy Accommodations Act On May 17, 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation (H.B. 3865) enacting the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodations Act. The act combats pregnancy discrimination, promotes public health, and ensures full and equal participation for women in the labor force by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees for medical needs…

At ThinkHR, knowledge makes us tick. We are always on the lookout for the latest workplace and human resources news, trends, research, and law. Here are some of the stories that caught our eye this month. A Blow to #MeToo? In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declared that employers can force workers into arbitration,…

Question: Can we require employees to use their vacation and sick time at the beginning of an approved medical leave of absence? Answer: Generally, an employer may require employees to exhaust their paid time off when a medical leave, such as that under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), is unpaid. When not required,…

Q: One of our employees was assaulted and injured by another coworker in our workplace. Is this compensable under California workers’ compensation? A: If the employee was injured at work, it is likely that the claim is compensable based on the facts of the situation leading up to the assault. An employee who is assaulted…